New York Blood Center Has Declared an Extreme Situation in the State

The NYBC organization is asking people across New York, the Hudson Valley, Long Island and New Jersey to donate blood to help replenish the blood supply for hospitals.

Organizers hope the appeal will encourage an additional 1000 – 1500 donors each month throughout the summer to help save lives.

"In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are below that minimum." said an official statement.

The employees call on people to donate the blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day on Thursday, June 14th.

“Every single day, blood donations help save lives – and right now, the need is critical,” said Andrea Cefarelli, the Senior executive director of Donor Recruitment. “We’re calling on everyone to do what they can to spread the word, host a blood drive or simply take an hour out of their day to donate.”

In that context, the Medical Services Division has organized a Blood Donation Drive. For convenience, nine departmental and three regional donor centres are now up and running.

"Currently, the Blood Bank has a four day supply of blood, while the usual rate-the stock for 7-9 days. Most of all, the center needs the first negative group (0 negative). People with this blood are universal donors, and their blood type is needed most readily in trauma situations and emergency rooms across the country. But B negative is a particularly rare blood type. It presents in only 6% of the population." added Cefarelli.